Carotid Doppler Scan

Ultrasound of the Neck – assessment of the carotid arteries in the neck (€140)

A carotid Doppler ultrasound scan serves to image the arteries in the patient’s neck to assess whether they are at risk for stenosis of these vessels or a stroke. The most common reason for referral for this procedure is when a bruit is heard by the patient’s doctor with a stethescope. This examination is a quick, non-invasive way of confirming or excluding blockage of the arteries or build-up of plaque which may pose a future threat to the patient.

This scan examines

Bilateral common carotid arteries

Bilateral carotid arteries

Bilateral internal arteries

Bilateral external carotid arteries

Bilateral vertebral arteries

Bilateral subclavian arteries (if requested)

Typical requests include

Carotid bruit

Query transient ischemic attack

Loss of sight

Query stenosis

How to prepare for a carotid ultrasound

No preparation is necessary.

What to expect from a carotid ultrasound?

Ultrasound gel is placed on the patient’s neck and the arteries are scanned with an ultrasound probe. Multiple images of these arteries are taken for analysis by a consultant radiologist. The results of the scan will be sent to the patient’s referring doctor within 48 hours of the examination being carried out.